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Astros Sign Pitcher Ryan Weiss to Strengthen Rotation

12/3/2025

Summary

Astros Sign Weiss

The Houston Astros signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Weiss to a Major League contract to bolster their starting rotation amid Framber Valdez's likely departure.
Weiss, 28, posted a 2.87 ERA with 207 strikeouts in 30 starts for the Hanwha Eagles in 2025.
The deal guarantees $2.6 million for 2026, with a club option for 2027 that could total over $10 million.
The Astros continue to seek additional pitching depth.

Summary

Astros Revamp Rotation

The Houston Astros aim to strengthen rotation after losing Framber Valdez to free agency and facing injuries to Luis Garcia (Astros pitcher) and Cristian Javier (Astros pitcher).
They plan to use Ryan Weiss, Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) signee, as a starter.
Cody Ponce, Weiss's KBO teammate, earned MVP honors and drew interest for $30–$40 million deal.
The Astros are exploring trades for Jake Meyers to create salary-cap flexibility for acquisitions.

History

Historical Context

Major League Baseball expanded in 1998 by adding the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, marking its first expansion since 1993. This decision followed a competitive bidding process initiated in 1994, reflecting the league's growth strategy. The expansion increased team numbers to 30, prompting significant investments in player contracts, such as the $2.6 million deal for Ryan Weiss by the Houston Astros.

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Astros Sign Weiss

The Houston Astros signed right-handed pitcher Ryan Weiss to a Major League contract to bolster their starting rotation amid Framber Valdez's likely departure.
Weiss, 28, posted a 2.87 ERA with 207 strikeouts in 30 starts for the Hanwha Eagles in 2025.
The deal guarantees $2.6 million for 2026, with a club option for 2027 that could total over $10 million.
The Astros continue to seek additional pitching depth.

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